Danny Kingad. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Danny Kingad plans to make a grand introduction in his ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Championship Final at ONE: Century.
The prodigious flyweight from Team Lakay takes on Demetrious Johnson in Part I of the historic event on 13 October at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan.
Though he comes in as underdog, Kingad is confident of his skills and believes he has advantages over the 12-time flyweight world champion.
“I am young, strong, and really motivated to win. I have character, and that’s what I’m bringing to this match against Johnson,” Kingad said.
“My focus is different for this match. I’m not just doubling my effort, I’m tripling it. I respect Johnson because I know the experience he brings to the table and he’s one of the greatest of all time.”
If there is one guy who can go toe-to-toe with Johnson’s quickness, cardio, and explosiveness – it’s Kingad.
It’s not really a secret to how he does it.
The 23-year-old has made it a habit to train in the high-altitude, mountainous terrains of Baguio City. This helps him get in better shape for his matches.
“Discipline is very important, particularly heading into this match. For me, training here in the mountains of Baguio will be huge for me. It has played a big role in my victories in the past,” Kingad said.
“The high altitude and the tough terrains are the best environment for athletes. I know it will be big against Johnson.”
Kingad knows he may never get a chance this big again and he vows to come in and lay everything he has worked for against Johnson.
“I’m really motivated to win this match. A lot of things are at stake and you can see that when we train,” Kingad said.
“It’s been two years since I started climbing the flyweight ladder and this is the final test for me. Also, I want to be the first Asian to beat DJ.”
ONE: Century is the biggest world championship martial arts event in history. No organization has ever promoted two full-scale world championship events in one day.
The Home Of Martial Arts breaks new ground as 28 world champions compete in four world title bouts, three World Grand Prix Championship Finals, and several world champion versus world champion matches.